President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has charged Nigerian leaders to unite in the task of pulling Nigeria out of its current economic challenges.
Speaking on Saturday at the 2020 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture with the theme, “Financial Services in a Post COVID-19 Environment: Strategic Imperatives”, he tasked leaders in the banking sector on “audacious leadership” to navigate challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and restore hope and confidence in Africa.
Adesina informed his audience that it would take the best of everyone to equally bring out the best in the country, adding that the time to show leadership is now.
“Now, let us arise and collectively support Nigeria to recover and build back, stronger, better, with greater economic resilience. Let’s join hands and deliver greater prosperity and hope for Nigeria.
“For Nigeria to be at its best, it deserves the best from all of us.
The event which was held in Lagos and online, saw several leaders in the banking sector across the country and the continent being conferred with awards as Honorary Fellows, Elected Fellows and Honorary Senior Members, with the AfDB boss clinching one of the awards.
The President expressed delight at being decorated with the emblems of admission and recognition, saying, “Today, as we are being honored, consider us as ‘security-backed assets’.
“Our integrity is our honor, and our honor is our security.
“We wish to express to the Council of the CIBN, our commitment to carry these awards with dignity, integrity and honor.
“Leadership from each one of us is needed in these challenging times of the Coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
He stressed that honorary awards were deposits of trust that came with great responsibilities of selfless work, being exemplary and role models in the profession and for the society.
The AfDB president noted the challenges that the pandemic had on African and global economies and development.
He, however, reiterated the contributions of the AfDB to ease the effects of the pandemic.
Adesina assured of the bank’s readiness to support African countries, financial institutions and the private sector to accelerate Africa’s economic growth. (NAN)